You might make the case that Apple is sinful based on the gluttony for gadgets it inspires, but some extreme Orthodox Christians in Russia are more offended by the company's "blasphemous" logo.

According to a translation of a Russian news report that's been kicking around the Web, some conservative believers see the image of the bitten apple as a symbol of Adam and Eve's original sin in the Bible. Some have gone so far as to cover up the logo and replace it with an image of a cross.

Apparently no one has clued these folks in to the fact that Apple's name and logo were actually inspired by the legendary piece of fruit that fell on the head of mathematician and astronomer Isaac Newton.

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The backlash is likely connected to heightened sensitivity over perceived threats to the influence of the church (perhaps you've heard about the controversial protest staged by punk rock band Pussy Riot inside one of Russia's main cathedrals). The church wasn't too thrilled about being turned into CBGB circa 1982 and pushed for the jailing of the band's leaders. It may be seeking to further clamp down on any signs of perceived disrespect.

Now, new anti-blasphemy laws proposed in Russia's parliament could conceivably prevent Apple from selling products with its own logo in the country. We've contacted Apple for comment and will update this story if we hear back.

If Apple does come to blows with the Russian church or government over its iconic logo, it could find allies within the country. Interfax news reports that the Russian political party Yabloko has been a sharp critic of the efforts to create what it calls a "clerical-police state" that is "deliberately fueling a conflict between the Russian Orthodox Church and secular civil society."

Yabloko might have another good reason to come to Cupertino's defense in Mother Russia -- the party's name is also the Russian word for "apple."

About the author

Crave freelancer Eric Mack is a writer, radio producer, and podcaster based in Taos, N.M., but he lives in Google+. He's also managing editor of Crowdsourcing.org and has written e-books on both Alaska and Android. E-mail Eric.
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